My dear wonderful husband is working on a new website for me.  I saw the result of many hours of work this morning.  IT IS WONDERFUL!

Still some cleanup to do but it will be up very soon.  Can’t wait for everyone to see it.

Today was the beginning of the monthly board meetings at WAS-H.  I am very blessed to have such a dedicated group of people who really care deeply for the organization.

We are challenged with all the same things that most non-profit organizations are concerned with these days.  Primarily – how to get the revenues up in these challenging economic times.

But there is always good news too.  We had a wonderful turnout for our August Experimental Show Take-in on Saturday the 8th.  Our members really get excited about these shows so we are making an effort to have more of them on our gallery schedule.  That will come as welcomed news to many of our members!

As President this year there never seems to be a lack of things to do.  Even so I have found some quality time to paint.  Which, as those close to me continue to point out, is really why I joined WAS-H in the first place….but as usual I was unable to say ‘no’ and now find myself in the lead.

Not a bad place to be.

I only thought it was difficult to find time to paint … but now it has to be a real concerted effort.  Being president of the Watercolor Art Society-Houston (WAS-H) totally consumed me this week.  Our part-time administrative person was called away on a family medical emergency.  Yesterday I learned that it will probably be another week before he returns.

Even so, I did make it to critique group this week.  Carried three of my newest paintings.  I am new to this group but WOW do I love it.  They are all very accomplished artists.  It was actually quite an honor to be asked to be a part of the group.  They are very supportive and have really wonderfully helpful comments.  I made a few changes to two of the paintings today and they are now ready for competition in the August WAS-H experimental show.

While painting today I was thinking about the fact that as much as I love WAS-H and all the people there,  it really is the painting that keeps me going.  The work with the organization you do for others…..Painting is for me.  For once I am really happy doing something for me!

WOW!  I was so pleased to see so many new faces at our WAS-H reception.  There were new faces from all age groups.  The house was packed and, of course,  I was very proud of my first place win.  Cholla, whose web link I have added to my blogroll section, had told me at the take-in that if she had been the juror I would have been her first place choice.  I, of course, thought that was very nice and very encouraging….but as with most artists, I looked around the room and saw MANY other paintings that I thought would have won.  She was very proud of the fact that she had “called it”.

As always it was wonderful to be with all my WASH friends.  They are among the nicest people around.

Tonight (July 17) at 6pm is the July Gallery Reception for the Watercolor Art Society-Houston (WAS-H).  To my surprise I won 1st place.  I am very excited and pleased since I am so happy with the new direction of my work.

This is the student/teacher show which is rather unique since we are not normally allowed to submit works done in class.  I submitted two paintings from the Virginia Cobb workshop.  They have been previously posted.

You can check out my website www.maryldavis.com to see which one of them won.

I have lots to do before the reception tonight so have to go.

I am in trouble from both my husband and daughter for not posting to my blog. So I guess I better get busy!

Our first place winner, Zhou Tiany, sent the following message to our International Show Director.

Vicky

Thank you for your picture. I am sorry that I have put it out as news without your permission, Shenzhen Economic Daily, one issue approximately 200 thousands copies of newspapers, approximately 10 sites have reproduced. Words following pictures are “International Exhibition Director Mrs. Vicky Williamson with Zhou Tiany’s winning work”. With the request of editor, your name were translated into Chinese. Forgive me that the translation may be not necessarily satisfied.

These pictures can be seen in above sites, and there may be more in the future”?

Publication No. 1

Publication No. 2

Publication No. 3

Publication No. 4

There has been a flurry of activity at WAS-H as the International Show got underway last week.  In it’s 32nd year the show really went international.  We had entries from China, India, Canada and the Ukraine.  We have a wonderful Director for the International Show, Vicky Williamson, whose praises I cannot over do.  She really throws herself into this event and it just gets better every year.

The opening reception was a smash hit.  Standing room only.

The workshop with Juror and Guest Artist, Judy Morris was well attended by 25 very lucky WASH members.  Judy is a marvelous teacher and as we find with all our guest artist, a really wonderful person!

I have posted links to the reception and workshop.

There has been a flurry of activity at the Watercolor Art Society-Houston (WAS-H) and we are almost ready.  Our International Show (which is on exhibition from March 9 – March 31)  is a once a year event that is so special for our organization.  There are so many that contribute….Vicky Williamson, our Director, is possibly the best person ever at organizing this type of event.

I have the honor as VP to work with the guest artist and juror.  I picked up Judy Morris from the airport today and transported her to her hotel.  This evening she will dine with our President, Jerrie Gast, and tomorrow will juror the show.  She has already narrowed the field from over 425 to just 100.  Tomorrow the hard work begins for Judy.  I was fortunate enough to be able to help hang the show on Thursday.  All I can say is that Judy has her work cut out for her!

So, here is the schedule, Jury tomorrow (Saturday); General WAS-H meeting on Sunday; workshop with Judy Monday-Friday for those lucky enough to get a space (we had a waiting list) and the reception where awards are announced on Friday, March 13.

What a week this will be!

Four days last week I had the wonderful experience of attending a workshop with Virginia Cobb.  Besides being an exceptionally talented artist Virginia is a wonderful instructor and, simply put, a delightful person to know.

These are two pieces I produced.  We had a great time and learned a great deal!

Virginia’s work can be seen at www.virginiacobb.com Should you ever get the chance….Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of one of her workshops.  You will not be disappointed!